The Uganda Premier League has received a major boost after Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Putnamed 14 locally-based players in his provisional squad for next month’s international friendlies in Morocco.
Uganda will face Tanzania on June 5 before taking on Madagascar three days later in Marrakech as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue.
Half of the 28-man squad comes from the Uganda Premier League, highlighting the growing trust in local talent.
SC Villa provided the highest number of players. David Lukwago, Raymond Barasa Mangoli, Geoffrey Lubanga Kene, Hassan Mubiru and Frank Ssebufu were all included.
NEC FC had Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Joseph Seremba and Richard Basangwa called up, while champions Vipers SC were represented by Hilary Mukundane, Abdu Karim Watambala and Arafat Usama Kiza.
KCCA FC also had three players selected — Herbert Achayi, Sammy Ssebaggala and Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
Put said the two matches will help the team prepare for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers later this year.
“I think these will be two good games to test where we are as a team. Qualifiers for AFCON 2027 start soon in September, October and November, so we need to be prepared,” Put said.
The Belgian coach added that some local players earned their opportunity after strong performances this season.
“This squad also includes some new names, including local players who have shown their potential and talent this year. I want to give them a chance,” he added.
The squad will, however, miss injured players Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, Nafian Alionzi and Jude Ssemugabi.
Foreign-based stars including Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato and James Bogere were also named in the squad.
The Morocco friendlies are expected to give Put a clearer picture of his team before Uganda begins the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), David Lukwago (SC Villa), Joel Mutakubwa (Adigrat University FC)
Defenders
Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Nathan Asiimwe (Charlton Athletic), Raymond Barasa Mangoli (SC Villa), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC), Geoffrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Joseph Seremba (NEC FC)
Midfielders
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC), Alhassan Baba (FCSB), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Allan Okello (Young Africans SC)
Forwards
James Bogere (Aarhus AGF), Rogers Mato (Hearts FC), Sammy Ssebaggala (KCCA FC), Hassan Mubiru (SC Villa), Steven Mukwala (Al-Nasr SC), Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution FC), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC), Noble Okello (Indy Eleven FC), Arafat Usama Kiza (Vipers SC) and Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC).
